A charger for charging an electric vehicle, comprising: a movable plug assembly comprising a downward facing plug that is connectable to an upward facing socket on top of the electric vehicle, the moveable plug assembly being mounted above the electric vehicle such that the movable plug assembly can be moved to be above the electric vehicle when the downward facing plug is not connected to the upward facing socket; a downward facing image capturing device; and a controller connected to the movable plug assembly and the downward facing image capturing device, and arranged to: control the downward facing image capturing device to capture at least one image in respect of the upward facing socket; and when the downward facing plug is not in alignment or connection with the upward facing socket, control a movement in respect of the movable plug assembly based on the at least one image, in order to enable the downward facing plug to move from above the electric vehicle downwards into alignment or connection with the upward facing socket.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A charger for charging an electric vehicle, comprising: a movable plug assembly comprising a downward facing image capturing device and a downward facing plug that is connectable to an upward facing socket on top of the electric vehicle, the movable plug assembly being mounted above the electric vehicle such that both the downward facing image capturing device and the downward facing plug of the movable plug assembly can be moved to be above the electric vehicle when the downward facing plug is not connected to the upward facing socket; and a controller connected to the movable plug assembly and the downward facing image capturing device, and arranged to: control the downward facing image capturing device to capture at least one image in respect of the upward facing socket; and when the downward facing plug is not in alignment or connection with the upward facing socket, control a movement in respect of the movable plug assembly based on the at least one image, in order to enable the downward facing plug to move from above the electric vehicle downwards into alignment or connection with the upward facing socket.
Electric vehicle charging systems. This invention addresses the problem of automatically aligning and connecting an electric vehicle charger plug to a vehicle's charging socket, particularly when the socket is located on the top of the vehicle and the plug is positioned above it. The system comprises a charger with a movable plug assembly. This assembly includes a plug designed to connect to an upward-facing socket on the electric vehicle and an image capturing device, both facing downwards. The movable plug assembly is positioned above the electric vehicle. A controller is connected to the movable plug assembly and the image capturing device. The controller is configured to operate the image capturing device to take at least one image of the vehicle's upward-facing socket. If the plug is not aligned or connected to the socket, the controller uses the captured image to control the movement of the movable plug assembly. This movement guides the downward-facing plug from its position above the vehicle into alignment and connection with the upward-facing socket.
2. A charger as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the controller controls the downward facing image capturing device to capture the at least one image in respect of the upward facing socket, by: controlling the downward facing image capturing device to repeatedly capture one or more images until the controller recognizes the upward facing socket from the one or more images.
A charger system includes a downward-facing image capturing device and a controller. The system is designed for use with an upward-facing socket, such as a charging pad or connector, to facilitate precise alignment during charging. The controller operates the image capturing device to repeatedly capture images until the upward-facing socket is recognized within the captured frames. This recognition process ensures accurate positioning of the charger relative to the socket, improving alignment and charging efficiency. The system may also include additional features, such as a housing with a downward-facing opening to accommodate the image capturing device and a charging interface aligned with the socket. The controller may further adjust the charger's position based on the recognized socket location to optimize charging performance. This technology addresses the challenge of aligning wireless or contact-based charging systems, particularly in environments where manual alignment is difficult or impractical. The repeated image capture and recognition process enhances reliability and user convenience by automating the alignment procedure.
3. A charger as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the controller recognizes the upward facing socket from the one or more images, by recognizing at least one visual indicator on the electric vehicle from the one or more images.
This invention relates to a charging system for electric vehicles, specifically focusing on a charger that can autonomously identify and align with an upward-facing socket on the vehicle. The problem addressed is the difficulty in precisely locating and connecting charging connectors to electric vehicle sockets, which often requires manual intervention or complex alignment mechanisms. The invention improves upon prior systems by using visual recognition to detect the socket's position. The charger includes a controller that processes one or more images captured by a camera to recognize the upward-facing socket. The controller identifies at least one visual indicator on the electric vehicle, such as a marker, pattern, or distinctive feature, to determine the socket's location. This visual recognition allows the charger to autonomously adjust its position for accurate alignment before initiating the charging process. The system may also include a movable arm or connector that physically engages with the socket once its position is confirmed. The visual indicator ensures reliable detection even in varying lighting or environmental conditions, enhancing the charger's adaptability. This approach reduces the need for manual alignment, improving efficiency and user convenience in electric vehicle charging.
4. A charger for charging an electric vehicle, comprising: a movable plug assembly comprising a proximity sensor and a downward facing plug that is connectable to an upward facing socket on top of the electric vehicle, the movable plug assembly being mounted above the electric vehicle such that both the proximity sensor and the downward facing plug of the movable plug assembly can be moved to be above the electric vehicle when the downward facing plug is not connected to the upward facing socket; and a controller connected to the movable plug assembly and the proximity sensor, and arranged to: control the proximity sensor to sense whether or not the downward facing plug is within a predetermined proximity of the upward facing socket; and upon the proximity sensor sensing that the downward facing plug is not within the predetermined proximity of the upward facing socket, control a movement in respect of the movable plug assembly in order to enable the downward facing plug to move from above the electric vehicle downwards into alignment or connection with the upward facing socket.
This invention relates to an automated charging system for electric vehicles, addressing the challenge of precisely aligning and connecting a charging plug with a vehicle's charging socket without manual intervention. The system includes a movable plug assembly mounted above the electric vehicle, featuring a downward-facing plug designed to connect to an upward-facing socket on the vehicle's roof. The assembly also incorporates a proximity sensor to detect the plug's position relative to the socket. A controller manages the system, using the proximity sensor to determine if the plug is within a predefined range of the socket. If the plug is not properly aligned, the controller adjusts the movable assembly to guide the plug downward into alignment or direct connection with the socket. The system ensures accurate and automated charging by dynamically adjusting the plug's position, eliminating the need for manual alignment and improving charging efficiency. The invention simplifies the charging process by integrating proximity detection and automated movement control, enhancing convenience and reliability for electric vehicle users.
5. A charger as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the controller is arranged to control the downward facing plug to output electric charge to charge the electric vehicle upon the proximity sensor sensing that the downward facing plug is within the predetermined proximity of the upward facing socket.
This invention relates to an electric vehicle charging system designed to automate the charging process by detecting proximity between a charger and a vehicle. The system includes a charger with a downward-facing plug and an upward-facing socket, where the plug is configured to output electric charge to charge the vehicle. A proximity sensor detects when the downward-facing plug is within a predetermined distance of the upward-facing socket, triggering the controller to initiate charging. The controller manages the charging process, ensuring safe and efficient power transfer once the plug and socket are aligned. The system may also include a mechanical alignment mechanism to ensure proper connection between the plug and socket. The invention aims to simplify electric vehicle charging by eliminating manual plugging and unplugging, reducing user effort and potential errors. The proximity-based activation ensures charging begins only when the plug and socket are correctly positioned, enhancing safety and reliability. The system is particularly useful for automated charging stations where precise alignment is required.
6. A charger as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the movable plug assembly comprises: a mount for enabling the movable plug assembly to be mounted above the electric vehicle; and an extendable arm comprising: a first end connected to the mount; and an opposite second end at which the downward facing plug is provided such that the downward facing plug is above the electric vehicle when the extendable arm is not extended.
This invention relates to a charging system for electric vehicles, specifically addressing the challenge of aligning and connecting charging plugs to electric vehicles in a convenient and efficient manner. The system includes a charger with a movable plug assembly designed to be mounted above the electric vehicle. The movable plug assembly features a mount that secures it in a fixed position above the vehicle and an extendable arm connected to the mount at one end. The opposite end of the extendable arm holds a downward-facing plug, which remains positioned above the electric vehicle when the arm is in its retracted state. The extendable arm allows the plug to be lowered or extended toward the vehicle's charging port, ensuring proper alignment and connection without manual adjustment. This design simplifies the charging process by reducing the need for precise positioning of the vehicle or the charger, improving user convenience and reliability. The system is particularly useful in fixed charging stations where vehicles may park in slightly different positions, ensuring consistent and hassle-free charging.
7. A charger as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the movable plug assembly is mounted to a ceiling of a garage for storing the electric vehicle.
This invention relates to a ceiling-mounted electric vehicle (EV) charger designed for garages. The charger includes a movable plug assembly that can be positioned to connect to an EV for charging and then retracted when not in use. The plug assembly is mounted to the garage ceiling, allowing it to be lowered to the vehicle for charging and raised to a stored position when not needed. This design optimizes space utilization in garages by eliminating the need for a fixed charging station on the floor or wall. The system ensures safe and efficient charging while keeping the plug assembly out of the way when not in use. The invention addresses the challenge of limited garage space and the inconvenience of traditional charging setups, providing a compact and functional solution for EV owners. The plug assembly may include features such as automatic alignment, locking mechanisms, and safety sensors to ensure reliable and secure charging. The ceiling-mounted design also reduces tripping hazards and improves garage organization.
8. A charger as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the extendable arm comprises a first section connected to the mount by a first pivot.
A charger system is designed to provide flexible and adjustable positioning for charging devices. The system includes a mount for attaching the charger to a surface, such as a wall or desk, and an extendable arm that allows the charging interface to be positioned at various locations relative to the mount. The extendable arm comprises multiple sections, with a first section connected to the mount by a first pivot. This pivot enables the first section to rotate relative to the mount, allowing the arm to be adjusted in multiple directions. The extendable arm may also include additional sections connected by further pivots, enabling further adjustment and flexibility in positioning the charging interface. The system may also include a locking mechanism to secure the arm in a desired position once adjusted. This design allows users to position the charging interface at optimal locations for convenience and accessibility, addressing the problem of fixed or inflexible charging solutions that do not accommodate different user needs or environments.
9. A charger as claimed in claim 8 , further comprising a first actuator connected to the mount and the first section, and arranged to extend the first section away from the mount on the first pivot or contract the first section towards the mount on the first pivot.
This invention relates to a charger with an adjustable mounting mechanism for positioning a charging device relative to a target object, such as a vehicle. The problem addressed is the difficulty in precisely aligning a charging device with a corresponding receptacle on a vehicle, particularly in varying environmental conditions or when the vehicle is not perfectly positioned. The charger includes a mount, a first section pivotally connected to the mount via a first pivot, and a first actuator connected to both the mount and the first section. The actuator is configured to extend the first section away from the mount by rotating it around the first pivot or contract the first section toward the mount by rotating it in the opposite direction. This adjustment allows the charging device to be moved into optimal alignment with the vehicle's charging receptacle, improving connection reliability and ease of use. The first section may also support additional components, such as sensors or alignment guides, to further assist in positioning. The actuator provides controlled movement, ensuring precise and repeatable adjustments to accommodate different vehicle positions or environmental factors. The invention enhances the functionality of charging systems by enabling dynamic alignment adjustments, reducing the need for manual intervention and improving charging efficiency.
10. A charger as claimed in claim 9 , wherein the controller is arranged to control the first actuator to move the downward facing plug vertically and/or longitudinally towards the upward facing socket.
A charger system is designed to facilitate the alignment and connection of a downward-facing plug with an upward-facing socket, addressing challenges in automated or robotic charging applications where precise alignment is difficult. The system includes a first actuator configured to move the downward-facing plug in vertical and/or longitudinal directions to ensure proper engagement with the upward-facing socket. A controller governs the actuator's movements, enabling adaptive positioning to compensate for misalignment or positional variations. The system may also incorporate a second actuator to adjust the upward-facing socket, further enhancing alignment accuracy. Sensors or feedback mechanisms may be used to detect the relative positions of the plug and socket, allowing the controller to dynamically adjust the actuators for successful connection. This approach improves reliability in automated charging scenarios, such as for electric vehicles or robotic systems, by reducing the need for manual intervention or precise pre-alignment. The controller's ability to control both vertical and longitudinal movements ensures compatibility with various charging configurations and environmental conditions.
11. A charger as claimed in claim 8 , wherein the extendable arm comprises a second section connected to the first section by a second pivot.
A charger system is designed to address the challenge of efficiently charging multiple devices in a compact space, particularly in environments where devices are positioned at varying heights or angles. The charger includes an extendable arm that allows flexible positioning of a charging interface to accommodate different device placements. The extendable arm consists of at least two sections: a first section and a second section. The first section is pivotally connected to a base or mounting structure, enabling adjustment of the arm's angle relative to the base. The second section is pivotally connected to the first section via a second pivot, allowing further articulation of the arm to reach devices at different positions. This dual-pivot design enhances the charger's adaptability, ensuring optimal alignment with devices for reliable charging. The system may also include a charging interface, such as a wireless charging pad or a wired connector, mounted at the distal end of the extendable arm. The charger may incorporate additional features, such as sensors or adjustable clamping mechanisms, to secure devices during charging. The overall design aims to provide a versatile and space-efficient charging solution for multiple devices in dynamic environments.
12. A charger as claimed in claim 11 , further comprising a second actuator connected to the first section and the second section, and arranged to extend the downward facing plug away from the first section on the second pivot or contract the downward facing plug towards the first section on the second pivot.
This invention relates to a charger with an extendable and retractable plug mechanism. The charger includes a first section and a second section connected by a first pivot, allowing the second section to rotate relative to the first section. A downward-facing plug is attached to the second section via a second pivot, enabling the plug to extend away from or retract toward the first section. A second actuator is connected to both the first and second sections and is configured to control the movement of the plug. When activated, the actuator extends the plug away from the first section along the second pivot or retracts it toward the first section. This mechanism allows the plug to be positioned for easy insertion into a power outlet while also retracting to a compact state when not in use, improving usability and storage efficiency. The design ensures stable electrical contact while accommodating different outlet configurations. The actuator may be mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic, depending on the application. This invention addresses the need for a charger with an adjustable plug that enhances convenience and portability.
13. A charger as claimed in claim 12 , wherein the controller is arranged to control the second actuator to move the downward facing plug vertically and/or longitudinally towards the upward facing socket.
A charger system is designed to facilitate the alignment and connection of a downward-facing plug with an upward-facing socket, particularly in applications where precise positioning is challenging, such as in automated or robotic charging systems. The problem addressed is the difficulty in ensuring proper alignment between the plug and socket, which can lead to connection failures or damage to the components. The system includes a first actuator that moves the plug horizontally to align it with the socket, and a second actuator that adjusts the plug's position vertically and/or longitudinally to ensure a secure connection. A controller manages the actuators to achieve accurate positioning. The system may also include sensors to detect the plug's position relative to the socket, providing feedback to the controller for fine-tuning adjustments. This approach improves reliability and reduces the risk of misalignment, making it suitable for automated charging applications in electric vehicles, industrial equipment, or other systems requiring precise plug-and-socket connections. The invention enhances the efficiency and robustness of charging processes by automating the alignment and connection steps.
14. A charger as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the mount is part of a laterally movable platform, and the controller is arranged to control the laterally movable platform to move the downward facing plug laterally towards the upward facing socket.
This invention relates to a charger system designed to improve the alignment and connection between a plug and a socket, particularly in applications where precise positioning is challenging. The charger includes a mount for a downward-facing plug and a controller that manages the alignment process. The mount is integrated into a laterally movable platform, allowing the plug to be adjusted horizontally. The controller directs the platform to move the plug laterally toward an upward-facing socket, ensuring proper alignment before connection. This mechanism reduces misalignment issues, which can occur due to manufacturing tolerances or environmental factors, and enhances the reliability of the charging process. The system is particularly useful in automated or robotic charging applications where manual adjustment is impractical. The controller may also incorporate feedback mechanisms, such as sensors, to detect alignment and adjust the platform accordingly. The invention addresses the problem of inconsistent or failed connections in charging systems by providing an adaptive alignment solution.
15. A charger as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the downward facing plug is provided in a self-aligning head that pivots, translates and/or rotates the downward facing plug when the downward facing plug is moving downwards into alignment or connection with the upward facing socket.
This invention relates to a charger with a self-aligning mechanism for connecting a downward-facing plug to an upward-facing socket. The charger addresses the problem of misalignment or difficulty in connecting plugs and sockets, particularly in situations where precise alignment is challenging, such as in low-light conditions or when the socket is not easily visible. The charger includes a self-aligning head that supports the downward-facing plug. This head is designed to pivot, translate, and/or rotate the plug as it moves downward, ensuring proper alignment and connection with the upward-facing socket. The self-aligning mechanism compensates for slight misalignments, reducing user effort and improving connection reliability. The charger may also include a housing that supports the self-aligning head and guides its movement. The downward-facing plug is positioned to engage with the upward-facing socket, and the self-aligning head ensures that the plug aligns correctly regardless of initial positioning. This design enhances usability and reduces the risk of connection failures due to misalignment.
16. A charger as claimed in claim 15 , wherein the self-aligning head is arranged to spring back to a downward facing position when the downward facing plug is moved upwards out of alignment or connection with the upward facing socket.
A charger system is designed to address the challenge of aligning and connecting a plug with a socket, particularly in environments where precise alignment is difficult or where frequent connection and disconnection occur. The charger includes a self-aligning head that automatically adjusts to ensure proper alignment between a downward-facing plug and an upward-facing socket. The self-aligning head is equipped with a spring mechanism that allows it to pivot or move laterally when the plug is misaligned or when an upward force is applied. When the plug is lifted or moved out of alignment, the spring mechanism causes the head to return to a default downward-facing position, ensuring the plug is correctly oriented for subsequent connections. This feature enhances usability by reducing the need for manual alignment and improving the reliability of the connection process. The system may also include additional components, such as a base or housing, that support the self-aligning mechanism and facilitate stable connections. The design is particularly useful in applications where quick, repeated connections are required, such as in industrial, automotive, or consumer electronics settings.
17. A charger as claimed in claim 15 , wherein the self-aligning head comprises at least one tapered guide corresponding to at least one chamfered guide slot of the upward facing socket, wherein the at least one tapered guide rotates the downward facing plug into alignment or connection with the upward facing socket when the at least one tapered guide is moving downwards into alignment or connection with the at least one chamfered guide slot.
This invention relates to a charger with a self-aligning mechanism for connecting a downward-facing plug to an upward-facing socket. The problem addressed is the difficulty of precisely aligning charging connectors, especially in low-visibility or automated environments, where misalignment can cause connection failures or damage. The charger includes a self-aligning head with at least one tapered guide that interacts with at least one chamfered guide slot in the upward-facing socket. When the plug is lowered toward the socket, the tapered guide engages the chamfered slot, automatically rotating the plug into proper alignment. This ensures a secure connection without manual adjustment. The self-aligning feature reduces wear on connectors and improves reliability in applications where precise alignment is challenging, such as robotic charging systems or automated docking stations. The design may include multiple tapered guides and corresponding slots for enhanced stability and alignment accuracy. The system ensures consistent electrical contact by compensating for minor positional deviations during the connection process.
18. A charger as claimed in claim 15 , wherein the self-aligning head comprises a chamfered cylindrical surface having a smaller diameter than a corresponding cylindrical surface of the upward facing socket, wherein the at least one chamfered cylindrical surface translates the downward facing plug into alignment or connection with the upward facing socket when the at least one chamfered cylindrical surface is moving downwards into alignment or connection with the corresponding cylindrical surface of the upward facing socket.
This invention relates to a charger with a self-aligning head for connecting a downward-facing plug to an upward-facing socket. The problem addressed is the difficulty of precisely aligning charging connectors, particularly in automated or low-visibility environments where manual adjustment is impractical. The charger includes a self-aligning head with a chamfered cylindrical surface that has a smaller diameter than a corresponding cylindrical surface of the upward-facing socket. When the plug is lowered toward the socket, the chamfered surface guides the plug into proper alignment or connection with the socket. The chamfered design ensures that even if the plug is initially misaligned, the downward movement of the chamfered surface against the socket's cylindrical surface corrects the alignment, facilitating a secure and reliable connection. This mechanism reduces the need for precise initial positioning, improving usability in applications such as robotic charging or automated systems where alignment may be challenging. The invention enhances the robustness and reliability of charging connections by simplifying the alignment process.
19. A charger as claimed in claim 15 , wherein the self-aligning head is connected to an end of the movable plug assembly by a pivot, and is arranged to pivot the downward facing plug into alignment or connection with the upward facing socket when the downward facing plug is moving downwards into alignment or connection with the upward facing socket.
This invention relates to a charger with a self-aligning head for connecting a downward-facing plug to an upward-facing socket. The problem addressed is the difficulty of precisely aligning a plug with a socket, especially in low-visibility or tight spaces, which can lead to connection failures or damage to the plug or socket. The charger includes a movable plug assembly with a downward-facing plug and a self-aligning head connected to the end of the assembly via a pivot. The pivot allows the self-aligning head to adjust the angle of the downward-facing plug as it moves downward, ensuring proper alignment or connection with the upward-facing socket. The self-aligning mechanism compensates for misalignment during insertion, improving reliability and ease of use. The movable plug assembly may be part of a larger charging system, such as a docking station or a vehicle charging port, where precise alignment is critical. The pivot connection enables the self-aligning head to rotate freely, allowing the plug to self-correct its position as it approaches the socket. This reduces the need for manual adjustment and minimizes wear on the plug and socket. The design is particularly useful in applications where repeated connections are required, such as in electric vehicle charging or industrial equipment.
20. A charger for charging an electric vehicle, comprising: a movable plug assembly comprising: an image capturing device; a proximity sensor; and a downward facing plug that is connectable to an upward facing socket on top of the electric vehicle, the movable plug assembly being mounted above the electric vehicle such that the image capturing device, the proximity sensor and the downward facing plug of the movable plug assembly can be moved to be above the electric vehicle when the downward facing plug is not connected to the upward facing socket; and a controller connected to the movable plug assembly, the image capturing device and the proximity sensor, and arranged to: control the image capturing device to capture at least one image in respect of the upward facing socket; and when the downward facing plug is not in alignment or connection with the upward facing socket, control a first movement in respect of the movable plug assembly based on the at least one image, in order to enable the downward facing plug to move from above the electric vehicle downwards into alignment with the upward facing socket; control the proximity sensor to sense whether or not the downward facing plug is within a predetermined proximity of the upward facing socket; and upon the proximity sensor sensing that the downward facing plug is not within the predetermined proximity of the upward facing socket, control a second movement in respect of the movable plug assembly in order to enable the downward facing plug to move from above the electric vehicle downwards into alignment or connection with the upward facing socket.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
June 1, 2018
April 19, 2022
Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.